Neko Case
"Black Listed"
(Bloodshot Records)

Oh, the woes of representing country music's last womanly hope… Neko Case's voice will lodge itself right where it counts, and the arrangements on the record are spectacular. When production is done right, you can definitely hear the difference. The way her harmonies are delivered, and the dreary reverb are intensely reminiscent of Stevie Nick's "Landslide" days, especially on tracks like "Lady Pilot". I've heard Neko Case compared to the likes of Loretta Lynn, and feel that's a little narrow. After all, she is a member of pop consortium the New Pornographers.
"Look for Me (I'll Be Around)" is one extraordinarily romantic track, definitely written in the vein of Patsy Cline, and it's amazing above all. In fact, anyone who is an avid fan of Patsy Cline should be in possession or own a copy of "Black Listed". It will melt you.

-Jeff